Lake Barkley Things To Do

Birding
Over 200 avian species can be observed or heard in the park, including an abundance of warbler species including: Prothonotary, Kentucky, Blue-winged, and Worm-eating warblers, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Wild Turkeys, vultures, Pileated Woodpeckers, Red-Headed Woodpeckers, Wood Thrushes, orioles, tanagers, hawks, owls, Belted Kingfishers, swallows, a wide variety of waterfowl, and many, many others. The park currently has nearly 60 bluebird nest boxes, and most can be observed from the park’s roads.
In the fall and winter, large flocks (dozens---sometimes, hundreds) of American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants can be observed from the lodge. Winter is also a great time to view ducks and waterfowl on the lake. Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Mergansers, Loons, Grebes, and coots are just a few of the winter visitors. In the spring and summer these birds head north and are replaced by Snowy Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Black-crowned Night-herons, Great Egrets, and other fish eating birds.

Boating
With a 57,920-acre lake, Barkley is a year-round boating paradise. The marina is one-half mile from the lodge and offers 112 covered slips, 60 open slips, and a launching ramp.
Rental fishing boats, pontoon boats, and ski boats are available. Open year-round. Fee for rentals. Marina: (270) 924-9954.

Camping
Find delight in the outdoors in the campground. The campground has 78 sites with utility hookups, a dump station, and two central service buildings with showers and rest rooms. Closed Nov 1 - Mar 31.

A Kentucky Fishing License is required. Click here to purchase a license online at KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Don't have a fishing pole? No problem! Ask at the park about their fishing loaner program where you can check out FREE equipment.

FitnessNOTICE - The Fitness Center will have reduced hours on Thanksgiving Day (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.), and will be closed on December 23 - 26. Normal hours will resume on Dec. 27. Please contact the Fitness Center at 270-924-0142 ext. 593 for more information. Additionally, the outdoor pool and beach is closed for the season.

Gift Shop
Our gift shop is lavishly decorated with something for everyone. The Kentucky crafts people represented range from the finest potters to the most intricate woodworkers. Many souvenirs depicting the local wildlife, such as deer, horses, raccoons, frogs and hummingbirds are available. Choose from a wide variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, magnets, and postcards.

Hiking
Enjoy the beauty surrounding Lake Barkley on one of three self-guiding trails, providing 9 miles of nature study. Seven miles are open for mountain biking.

Racquetball
Located at the Fitness Center for lodge & cottage guests.

Swimming
A swimming pool fronting the lodge between the lake and the lodge is for the exclusive seasonal use of lodge and cottage guests.

The public beach, open Memorial Day through Labor Day, offers a volleyball court, bathhouse, and hours of swimming fun in the waters of Lake Barkley. The beach will be closed for the season beginning the Tuesday following Labor Day (Sept. 2).

NOTICE - The Fitness Center will have reduced hours on Thanksgiving Day (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.), and will be closed on December 23 - 26. Normal hours will resume on Dec. 27. Please contact the Fitness Center at 270-924-0142 ext. 593 for more information. Additionally, the outdoor pool and beach is closed for the season.

Tennis
Enjoy a tennis match on one of two lighted courts near the lodge.